Giant Colewort

Crambe cordifolia Origin: Caucasus Mountains (via Montana) Improvement status: Landrace Seeds per packet: ~35 Germination tested 08/2024: 34% Life cycle: Perennial Also called greater seakale, flowering seakale, or heartleaf crambe, giant colewort is cousin of seakale most often grown for its spectacular explosion of pretty white fragrant flowers. Also a perennial in the cabbage family, giant colewort is native to the Caucusus mountains where it is foraged as a wild edible and also grown in gardens. While not as productive as Crambe maritima, the leaves are also edible (and likewise are better when young). The flowers and developing seed pods are eaten as well, as is the root (like its cousin Crambe tataria, the Tartar breadplant). But despite its culinary qualities, most people who grow this are in it for the flowers. In full bloom, one plant can reach 5 feet wide and 8 feet tall! Add to that a luscious fragrance similar to sweet alyssum or wallflower, and this is a plant that can tru